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Excess chromospheric emissions within deep photospheric lines are effective proxies of stellar magnetism for FGK stars. This emission decays with stellar age and is a potential determinant of this important stellar quantity. We report absolutely calibrated H  |$\alpha$| chromospheric fluxes for 511 solar-type stars in a wide interval of precisely determined masses, [Fe/H], ages, and evolution states from high S/N, moderately high |$-$| resolution spectra. The comparison of H  |$\alpha$| and H + K chromospheric fluxes reveals a metallicity bias (absent from H  |$\alpha$|⁠) affecting Ca  ii H + K fluxes thereby metal-rich stars with deep line profiles mimic low chromospheric flux levels, and vice versa for metal-poor stars. This bias blurs the age–activity relation, precluding age determinations for old, inactive stars unless mass and [Fe/H] are calibrated into the relation. The H + K lines being the most widely studied tool to quantify magnetic activity in FGK stars, care should be exercised in its use whenever wide ranges of mass and [Fe/H] are involved. The H  |$\alpha$| age–activity–mass–metallicity calibration appears to be in line with the theoretical expectation that (other parameters being equal) more massive stars possess narrower convective zones and are less active than less massive stars, while more metal-rich stars have deeper convective zones and appear more active than metal-poorer stars. If regarded statistically in tandem with other age diagnostics, H  |$\alpha$| chromospheric fluxes may be suitable to constrain ages for FGK stars with acceptable precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) is considered the main pest in vine crops in the world. One of the alternatives for pest management is the use of resistant rootstocks. In the present study, 14 vine genotypes comprised of 6 canopy cultivars (Bordô, Isabel, BRS Lorena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Magnólia, and Chardonnay), 4 commercial rootstocks (Paulsen 1103, SO4, IAC 766, and IAC 572), and 4 promising rootstocks for pest management (1111-21, 548-44, 548-15, and IBCA-125) were evaluated for resistance to infestation the of root form of pest. For each genotype, the number of eggs, nymphs, and adults present in the roots were evaluated at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 d after egg infestation. In addition, the feeding place (lignified or nonlignified root), the presence or absence of tuberosities and nodosities, and the total fecundity of females were evaluated. The highest survival rates of nymphs and adults were observed in Cabernet Sauvignon, BRS Lorena, Chardonnay, and IBCA-25 in lignified roots, with the formation of tuberosities characterizing the materials as susceptible. In contrast, SO4, Paulsen 1103, IAC 572, IAC 766, 548-44, 548-15, Magnólia, and 1111-21 provided the least nymph and adult survival over time in nonlignified roots present in the nodosities, characterizing the materials as resistant. In addition, the lowest fecundity was observed in the roots of Magnólia (16 eggs). According to the results, it was verified that the cultivar Magnolia and the selections 548-15 and 1111-21 present reduced infestation and survival of nymphs of D. vitifoliae in the roots. This fact demonstrates the potential of the materials to be used as new resistant rootstocks or sources of insect resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grapevine phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) is the pest insect of greatest importance in grapevine. The objective of study was to evaluate the occurrence of overwintering eggs in seedlings of 'Paulsen 1103' (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris) and evaluate the biology and fertility life table of D. vitifoliae on five grape cultivars: 'Bordô' (Vitis labrusca), 'Cabernet Sauvignon' (Vitis vinifera), 'BRS Lorena' (Vitis vinifera × Seyval [Seibell 5656-Rayon d'Or]), 'Magnolia' (Vitis rotundifolia), and 'Paulsen 1103'. In the field, overwintering eggs were found to be present in 78% of 'Paulsen 1103' seedlings, on the trunk of the seedlings. In the laboratory, phylloxera was found to complete the biological cycle (egg to adult) in roots of 'BRS Lorena', 'Bordô', and 'Cabernet Sauvignon'. Nymphs did not complete development on roots of 'Paulsen 1103' and 'Magnolia', with 100% first instar mortality. Adult females feeding on 'Bordô' roots showed the lowest total fecundity (20.9 eggs per female), differing from insects feeding on 'Cabernet Sauvignon' roots (207.8 eggs per female). Based on the fertility life table, roots of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' provided the best reproduction rate (Ro = 219), intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.197 d) and time between generations (T = 21.5 d). The presence of overwintering eggs on the trunk of the rootstock 'Paulsen 1103' may promote the survival and dispersal of the insect. Lignified roots of the rootstock 'Paulsen 1103' and the cultivar 'Magnolia' do not allow the development of D. vitifoliae , with 'Cabernet Sauvignon' being the most suitable for the development of the insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the antifungal activity of extracts of Chamaecostus cuspidatus against Candida and Trichophyton species. Methods and Results: Crude ethanol extracts of leaves, stems and rhizomes were prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Only the rhizomes extract (RE) showed antifungal activity but had no inhibitory effect against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The RE was then submitted to liquid‐liquid partition with hexane (Hex), dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water. The Hex fraction (Hex Fr) from the RE was found to have the best antifungal effect. Three known saponins were isolated from the Hex Fr, of which two (dioscin and aferoside A) showed good antifungal activity. In addition, Hex Fr and the two bioactive compounds had no antibacterial effect, but exhibited fungicidal activity, caused significant changes in the morphology of the fungal cells and showed anti‐Candida albicans biofilm activity. Finally, the bioactive plant products presented greater selectivity for fungal cells over normal human cells. Conclusions: The rhizomes of C. cuspidatus have bioactive saponins that function as effective antifungals against Candida and Trichophyton species, and have antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. Significance and Impact of the Study: Chamaecostus cuspidatus REs may have potential clinical application towards the management of superficial mycoses caused by Candida and Trichophyton species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining stellar atmospheric parameters, such as effective temperature, surface gravity, and metallicity, with barycentric radial velocity data provides insight into the chemo-dynamics of the Milky Way and our local Galactic environment. We analyse 3075 stars with spectroscopic data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III MARVELS radial velocity survey and present atmospheric parameters for 2343 dwarf stars using the spectral indices method, a modified version of the equivalent width method. We present barycentric radial velocities for a sample of 2610 stars with a median uncertainty of 0.3 km s−1. We determine stellar ages using two independent methods and calculate ages for 2335 stars with a maximum-likelihood isochronal age-dating method and for 2194 stars with a Bayesian age-dating method. Using previously published parallax data, we compute Galactic orbits and space velocities for 2504 stars to explore stellar populations based on kinematic and age parameters. This study combines good ages and exquisite velocities to explore local chemo-kinematics of the Milky Way, which complements many of the recent studies of giant stars with the APOGEE survey, and we find our results to be in agreement with current chemo-dynamical models of the Milky Way. Particularly, we find from our metallicity distributions and velocity–age relations of a kinematically defined thin disc that the metal-rich end has stars of all ages, even after we clean the sample of highly eccentric stars, suggesting that radial migration plays a key role in the metallicity scatter of the thin disc. All stellar parameters and kinematic data derived in this work are catalogued and published online in machine-readable form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: The purpose of this study is to identify species from genus Diaporthe associated with a medicinal plant Costus spiralis by ITS, EF 1‐α, TUB and CAL gens. Methods and Results: The 30 isolates from the genus Diaporthe associated with the medicinal plant Costus spiralis were characterized based on morphological characters and the microculture technique and grouped by DNA fingerprinting with the ISSP gene. Afterwards, a total of 12 isolates were selected for the identification of the species based on the comparative research on the blast through the sequences of the ITS gene. Phylogenetic Tree of Maximum Likelihood were generated with the ITS gene individually and with the genes ITS, TUB, CAL and EF1‐α combined with the Diaporthe species recognized and with the additional sequences obtained from GenBank for these species. Conclusions: It was not possible to characterize the 30 isolates microscopically and macromorphologically through the microculture technique and the macromorphological characteristics. The 12 isolates selected based on the DNA fingerprinting profile identified phylogenetically, revealed five distinct species of Diaporthe which are present in C. spiralis. Significance and Impact of the Study: The molecular analyses used in this study are excellent alternatives for species‐level identification of Diaporthe associated with medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the environment on which the animals are raised is very diverse, selecting the best sires for different environments may require the use of models that account for genotype by environment interaction (G × E). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the existence of G × E for yearling weight (YW) in Nellore cattle using reaction norm models with only pedigree and pedigree combined with genomic relationships. Additionally, genomic regions associated with each environment gradient were identified. A total of 67,996 YW records were used in reaction norm models to calculate EBV and genomic EBV. The method of choice for genomic evaluations was single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). Traditional and genomic models were tested on the ability to predict future animal performance. Genetic parameters for YW were obtained with the average information restricted maximum likelihood method, with and without adding genomic information for 5,091 animals. Additive genetic variances explained by windows of 200 adjacent SNP were used to identify genomic regions associated with the environmental gradient. Estimated variance components for the intercept and the slope in traditional and genomic models were similar. In both models, the observed changes in heritabilities and genetic correlations for YW across environments indicate the occurrence of genotype by environment interactions. Both traditional and genomic models were capable of identifying the genotype by environment interaction; however, the inclusion of genomic information in reaction norm models improved the ability to predict animals' future performance by 7.9% on average. The proportion of genetic variance explained by the top SNP window was 0.77% for the regression intercept (BTA5) and 0.82% for the slope (BTA14). Single-step GBLUP seems to be a suitable model to predict genetic values for YW in different production environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer, 1797 [Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae]) is usually conducted with chemical insecticides, which have limited efficacy as well as environmental and health risks. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is safe and effective in controlling many insects including lesser mealworm. However, little is known of DE efficacy against this pest. Thus, an assessment of DE was conducted for the first time in commercial broiler houses in Brazil, with the aim of developing a strategy for the use of DE in the control of this insect. The efficacy of DE was determinate to a minimum concentration, and the application was directed to the most infested sites. The DE applied to the entire poultry house (280 g/m2) was verified to control the insects. DE was also comparable to chemical treatments, with a reduction of 80% in the insect population. DE controlled the lesser mealworm and is recommended for application at a concentration of 280 g/m2 when applied to the surface of new poultry litter, before the first lot of birds is housed. Thereafter, DE should be reapplied before the housing of each lot of birds, in the same concentration, only in the housing area and under the feeders and near the walls and pillars. In addition to being a control strategy, DE can be an important tool in the management of lesser mealworm insecticide resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrion provides a multifaceted model to investigate basic and applied aspects of insect ecology and behavior. In this study, we analyzed differences in the attractiveness and suitability of vertebrate carcasses to sarcosaprophagous species of Diptera (Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae). Carcasses of fish and rat were used as substrates in a fragment of rainforest in Northeastern Brazil. The diversity of adults that visited the carcass was compared with the diversity of species that effectively used them as substrates for the development of larvae (colonizers). All insects were collected daily until complete skeletonization of the carcasses. Insects of at least 31 species were attracted to the carcasses, of which Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) and Chrysomya megacephala (F., 1794) were the most abundant. Only nine species effectively colonized the substrates, as evidenced by the emergence of colonizers. Most species did not discriminate between the carcass as visiting adults and as colonizers. A higher species richness and abundance of dipterans occurred in the intermediate stages of decomposition. The exotic Chrysomya species outcompeted native species in terms of abundance and dominance on both carcasses. Although Calliphoridae dominated the assemblage of visitors, species of Fanniidae were, proportionally, the most effective colonizers, when abundance was taken into account. Blow flies emerged earlier than species of Fanniidae and Sarcophagidae, which completed their development 19 d postcollection. The results contribute to understand the dynamics of carrion colonization and provide further evidences on the potential of necrophagous insects for forensic entomology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiofilm potential of five essential oil ( EO) components with cyclic (sabinene- SAB, carveol-C1, carvone-C2) and acyclic (citronellol-C3 and citronellal-C4) structures against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods and Results The selected EO components prevented biofilm set-up, with C3 and C4 causing remarkable effects. When applied against pre-established biofilms, they promoted high biomass removal and inactivation of biofilm cells. Moreover, no viable E. coli biofilm cells were detected after exposure to SAB at 5 × MIC and 10 × MIC, and a significant viability decrease was observed for both bacteria with the other EO components. SAB, C3 and C4 caused the most prominent effects apparently due to their octanol-water partition coefficient ( Po/w), the number of rotatable bonds ( n- ROTB) and the free hydroxyl groups. Conclusions The overall results demonstrated that the selected EO components, particularly SAB, C3 and C4 are of interest as new lead molecules to both prevent biofilm set-up and to control pre-established biofilms of E. coli and S. aureus. Significance and Impact of the Study The tested EO components exhibited prominent antibiofilm properties against E. coli and S. aureus providing a novel and effective alternative/complementary approach to counteract chronic infections and the transmission of diseases in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to investigate the activity of 19 dichloromethane-soluble fractions obtained from the methanolic extracts of 10 Annonaceae species against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). The stem bark of Duguetia lanceolata A. St.-Hil. showed the highest insecticidal activity, with a median lethal time (LT50) of 61.4 h and a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 946.5 µg/ml of diet. The dichloromethanesoluble fractions from six D. lanceolata specimens were subjected to evaluation of their activities against S. frugiperda and metabolomic analysis using hydrogen (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Although all of the samples affected S. frugiperda mortality, their insecticidal activities varied according to the sample used in the experiments. Using partial least squares regression of the results, the D. lanceolata specimens were grouped according to their metabolite profile and insecticidal activity. A detailed analysis via uniand bidimensional NMR spectroscopy showed that the peaks in the 1H NMR spectra associated with increased insecticidal activity could be attributed to 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, which suggests that this substance is involved in the insecticidal activity of the stem bark fraction of D. lanceolata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degree of unsaturation of fatty acids, which is influenced by lipid source and level of metabolism in the rumen, is a major determinant in how dietary lipids affect genes that regulate beef marbling. A total of 28 Red Norte bulls with an initial live weight of 361 ± 32 kg (P > 0.05) were used in a completely randomized experimental design to analyze the expression of genes that are involved in lipid metabolism in the longissimus dorsi (LD) when diets contained soybean grain or rumenprotected fat, with or without monensin. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial, with 4 treatments and 7 replicates per treatment. Half of the animals that received soybean or rumen-protected fat were supplemented with 230 mg head-1 d-1 of monensin. Gene expression was analyzed by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RTqPCR). Expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-lc (SREBP-lc) in the LD muscle was not affected by lipid source or monensin (P > 0.05). There was an interaction effect (P < 0.05) between lipid source and monensin for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a {PPAR-α) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) expression, where greater gene expression was found in animals fed soybean plus monensin and the lower gene expression was found in animals fed mmen-protected fat plus monensin. Expression of lipoprotein lipase {LPL) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 {FABP4) were greater (P < 0.05) in the LD muscle of animals fed soybean. Monensin had no effect on LPL and FABP4 expression when soybean without monensin was fed, but when mmen-protected fat was fed, monensin increased LPL expression and decreased FABP4 expression {P < 0.05). Linoleic and arachidonic acids had negative correlations (P < 0.05) with the expression of PPAR-α, SCD, FABP4, and LPL genes. PPAR-α gene expression was not correlated with SREBPlc but was positively correlated with SCD, FABP4, LPL, and glutathione peroxidase {GPX1) gene expression (P < 0.001). Lipid sources and monensin interact and alter the expression of PPAR-α, SCD, acetyl CoA carboxylase a {A CA CA), LPL, FABP4, and GPX1. These changes in gene expression were most associated with arachidonic and a-linolenic acids and the ability of lipid sources and monensin to increase these fatty acids in tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explain the influence of green leaf allowance levels on the performance of dairy ewes grazing a tropical grass. Seventy-two lactating ewes grazed Aruana guineagrass (.Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana) for 80 d. The treatments were 4 daily levels of green leaf allowance (GLA) on a DM basis corresponding to 4, 7, 10, and 13 kg DM/100 kg BW, which were named low, medium-low, medium-high, and high level, respectively. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 replications. During the experimental period, 4 grazing cycles were evaluated in a rotational stocking grazing method (4 d of grazing and 16 d of rest). There was a linear effect of GLA on forage mass, and increasing GLA resulted in increased total leaf mass, reaching an asymptotic plateau around the medium-high GLA level. The stem mass increased with increased GLA, and a pronounced increase was observed between medium-high and high GLAs. Increasing GLA increased both forage disappearance rate and postgrazing forage mass. Leaf proportion increased with GLA, peaking at the medium-high level, and the opposite occurred for stem proportions, which reduced until medium-high GLA level, followed by an increase on high GLA. Forage CP decreased linearly with GLA, and increasing GLA from low to high reduced CP content by 31%. On the other hand, NDF increased 14% and ADF increased 26%, both linearly in response to greater GLA levels. Total digestible nutrients decreased linearly by 8% when GLA increased from low to high level. Milk yield increased, peaking at medium-high GLA ( 1.75 kg ewe-1 d-1 ) and decreased at high GLA level ( 1.40 kg ewe-1 d-1 ). Milk composition was not affected by the GLA levels. There was a reduction in stocking rate fi-om 72 to 43 ewes/ha when GLA increased from low to high level. Productivity (milk yield kg ha-1 d-1) increased as GLA increased, peaking at medium-low level ( 115 kg ha-1 d-1). Although this tropical grass showed the same pattern in responses to GLA levels as reported in the literature with temperate pastures, the magnitude of the process changed and the maximum response in milk yield from lactating dairy ewes grazing a tropical pasture would be achieved with higher forage allowances than in temperate pastures. Overall, Amana guineagrass grazed by lactating dairy ewes should be managed to provide 7 to 10 GLA in kg DM/100 kg BW according to the production goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding trans-10, els-12 CLA supplements in a rumen-protected form has been shown to cause milk fat depression (MFD) in cows, ewes, and goats. Methyl esters of CLA were shown to be as effective as FFA in inducing MFD when infused postruminally, but their efficacy as a feed supplement has not been addressed in studies with lactating ruminants. In the present study, we investigated the effects of an unprotected trans-10, cis-12 CLA supplement as methyl esters on performance, milk composition, and energy status of dairy goats. Eighteen multiparous Toggenburg goats were randomly assigned to dietary treatments in a crossover experimental design (14 d treatment periods separated by a 7 d washout interval): 30 g/d of calcium salts of fatty acids (Control) or 30 g/d of a mmen unprotected CLA supplement containing 29.9% of trans-10, cis-12 CLA as methyl esters (CLA). Lipid supplements were mixed into a concentrate and fed individually to animals 3 times a day as a total mixed ration component. The DMI, milk yield, milk protein and lactose content and secretion, and somatic cell count were unaffected by CLA treatment. On the other hand, milk fat content and yield were reduced by 19.9 and 17.9% in CLA-fed goats. Reduced milk fat yield in CLA-fed goats was a consequence of a lower secretion of both preformed and de novo synthesized fatty acids. The CLA treatment also changed the milk fatty acid profile, which included a reduction in the concentration of SFA (2.5%), increased MUFA and PUFA (5.6 and 5.4%, respectively), and a pronounced increase (1576%) in milk fat trans-10, cis- 12 CLA. Consistent with the high milk fat trans-10, cis-12 CLA content, all desaturase indexes were reduced in milk fat from CLA-fed goats. The MFD induced by CLA reduced the energy required for milk production by 22%, which was accompanied by an improvement in the estimated energy balance (P < 0.001), greater blood glucose concentration (P < 0.05), and a trend for increased BW (P = 0.08). Approximately 7.2% of/ram-10, cis-12 CLA was estimated to escape from mmen biohydrogenation and indirect comparisons with data obtained from other studies suggest equivalent MFD between dietary CLA in the methyl ester form and mmen protected sources. Thus, despite the apparent low degree of mmen protection, our results suggest that methyl esters of CLA could be an alternative to mmen protected CLA supplements due to manufacturing and cost advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of ground oilseed sources on the quality, fatty acid profile, and CLA content of meat from zebu steers. Thirty-one zebu steers with an initial average age of 23 mo and an initial BW of 365 kg were used in this study. The experimental period was 84 d, which was preceded by an adaption period of 28 d. The diet was provided ad libitum with a forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60. Corn silage was used as the forage source. Four different concentrates were formulated for each treatment: without additional lipids (control) or with ground soybeans (SB), ground cottonseed (CS), or ground linseed (LS). The SB, CS, and LS diets were formulated to have 6.5% ether extract on a total dietary DM basis. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design. After slaughter, samples were taken from the longissimus thoracis muscle for the measurement of fatty acid concentration and the evaluation of meat quality. The luminosity index was greater in the control and LS diets (P < 0.01). The greatest percentages of myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), trans octadecenoic acid (C18:1 trans-10, trans-11, or trans-12), and SFA in the subcutaneous fat were observed in the CS treatment (P < 0.01). Moreover, the least percentages of oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9) and total unsaturated fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat were observed in the CS diet (P < 0.01). The meat linoleic acid and a-linolenic acid percentages were greatest in the SB and LS treatments, respectively (P < 0.001). The unsaturated fatty acid:SFA ratio was smallest for the CS diet (P < 0.01). A gradual increase in oxidation was observed as a function of storage time; however, the diets did not affect the rancidity of the meat (P > 0.05). The fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat was impaired by the addition of CS. Supplying ground oilseeds did not increase the content of CLA in the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of this work was to investigate the lipase production by a newly isolated Penicillium sp ., using experimental design technique, in submerged fermentation using a medium based on peptone, yeast extract, NaCl and olive oil, as well as to characterize the crude enzymatic extracts obtained. Methods and Results: Lipase activity values of 9·5 U ml−1 in 96 h of fermentation was obtained at the maximized operational conditions of peptone, yeast extract, NaCl and olive oil concentrations (g l−1) of 20·0, 5·0, 5·0 and of 10·0 respectively. The partial characterization of crude enzymatic extract obtained by submerged fermentation showed optimum activity at pH range from 4·9 to 5·5 and temperature from 37°C to 42°C. The crude extract maintained its initial activity at freezing temperatures up to 100 days. Conclusions: A newly isolated strain of Penicillium sp . used in this work yielded good lipase activities compared to the literature. Significance and Impact of the Study: The growing interest in lipase production is related to the potential biotechnological applications that these enzymes present. New lipase producers are relevant to finding enzymes with different catalytic properties of commercial interest could be obtained, without using genetically modified organisms (GMO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eponyms are frequently used in the surgery in homage to remarkable surgeons, specially creators of new surgical techniques and instruments. Sometimes, however, the right person is not revered or the name persists, but the author's technique has been changed over time and the original procedure is lost. Eponyms of the 10 most famous procedures in esophageal surgery are revisited. Names like Lortat Jacob, Toupet, Dor, Heller, Nissen, Ivor Lewis, Collis, Merendino, Hill, and Belsey, are reviewed, analyzing the man behind the name, the original technique and its modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rise in interleukin (IL) 4-dependent immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a hallmark of the mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced Th2-mediated autoimmune syndrome in the Brown Norway (BN) rat, and one of the mediators in allergic asthma in human. Oxidative stress, a potential factor related to the pathogenesis of allergy and asthma, has been shown to up-regulate IL-4 in mast cells and predispose to degranulation in vitro. However, it remains unknown whether oxidative/antioxidative imbalance plays a role in this Th2-driven model of autoimmunity in the rat. Here we show that administration of the non-sulphydryl-containing antioxidant desferrioxamine i.p. and s.c. to BN rats reduces HgCl2-enhanced IL-4 gene expression and inhibits HgCl2-induced Th2-mediated autoimmunity. Desferrioxamine treatment suppresses significantly IgE production and lymphoproliferation, and reduces tissue injury in the form of caecal vasculitis in the HgCl2-induced autoimmune syndrome. These results support a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the HgCl2-induced Th2-dominated autoimmune syndrome. This finding might have implications for understanding the mechanisms involved in Th2 cell responses as seen in allergy and asthma and thereby aid the development of new therapeutic strategies for these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We set out to examine the effect of gold treatment on the Th2-dependent antibodies IgG4 and IgE in relation to other IgG subclasses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eighty-five gold-treated RA patients and 82 RA controls were studied. Serum IgG subclass concentrations were measured by ELISA, IgE was measured by automated enzyme immunoassay. Samples were studied serially in 13 gold-treated patients and in 11 patients with gold-induced adverse events. There was a significant reduction in the concentration of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 in gold-treated RA patients compared with RA controls (P 0·004–0·019), whereas IgG4 was less significantly reduced in gold-treated patients (P = 0·044) and there was no difference in IgE. In serial samples there was a significant fall in the concentration of IgG1 (P = 0·001), IgG2 (P = 0·001) and IgG3 (P = 0·026) with time but no change in IgG4 and IgE. The development of gold-induced adverse events was not associated with any change in the concentration of each IgG subclass or IgE. Deficiencies of IgG subclasses were found in 30% of gold-treated RA patients and 8·5% of RA controls, and were associated in gold-treated patients with a longer disease duration (P = 0·003) and with erosive disease (P = 0·03). IgG2 was affected most frequently and in the majority of these cases subnormal specific IgG2 binding to widespread polysaccharide antigens (Pneumovax II) was found. Gold induces an overall immunosuppressant effect on IgG subclasses, with a deficiency in 21·5%, adjusted for controls. The effect on the Th2-dependent antibodies IgG4 and IgE is less marked, suggesting a sparing of Th2 responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease is caused by an autoantibody directed against an epitope on the α3 chain of type IV collagen. Animal models demonstrate that the higher the affinity of such antibodies, the greater the degree of glomerular injury. Affinity maturation (the process whereby somatic mutation followed by antigen selection leads to an increase in affinity of antibody) might therefore be of pathogenic significance if it occurs in human anti-GBM disease. We have examined serial samples from nine patients with anti-GBM disease and looked for evidence of changing functional affinity by measuring the inhibition of binding produced by the mild chaotrope diethylamine (DEA) in an anti-GBM antibody ELISA. Seven patients showed no change in the inhibition produced by DEA with time, Two patients showed an apparent decrease with time in the inhibition produced by DEA; this apparent increase in functional affinity proved, on further investigation, to represent simply the toss of anti-GBM antibodies. These results may imply that affinity maturation has been completed by the time that patients present with anti-OBM disease. If there had been evidence for a further increase in functional affinity after this point then this might have added extra urgency to the need for removal of these autoantibodies as part of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on immune suppression genes. Immune suppression genes may be defined simply by analogy with immune response genes. They are genes which determine whether and to what extent an organism can produce active suppression, usually with respect to a specific antigen, in contrast to the positive response determined by the immune response genes. Immune response genes have had a relatively short history. The term was first used just over 10 years ago and it is only in the last 2-3 years that the majority of the systems known have analysed.

Acute renal failure in the elderly is generally held to have a poor prognosis. Since January 1982, 22 patients aged 65 or over have presented acutely in renal failure requiring dialysis. Although nine of these patients had an underlying malignancy, the outcome was favourable, with survival in 14 (64%) patients, 12 of whom achieved an independent existence. As a significant number of these patients can survive with a good quality of life, and there are particular problems with their assessment and management, early referral to a renal unit is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third component of complement (C3) exists in two main allotypic forms, C3S and C3F, distinguished at the DNA level by a single base change. An increased frequency of the rarer C3F allele has been reported in patients with the autoantibody nephritic factor and in several other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and IgA nephropathy. Studies of the immunogenetic factors predisposing to the development of systemic vasculitis have produced conflicting results and no major genetic predisposing factors have been identified. We have studied the C3S/F polymorphism in 63 patients with systemic vasculitis using DNA allotyping by the amplification refractory mutation system, a modification of the polymerase chain reaction. The allele frequency in these patients was C3S 0.71, C3F 0.29 (expected C3S 0.8, C3F 0.19; chi-squared = 5.1, <0.025), with the average relative risk for the development of systemic vasculitis associated with the presence of a C3F allele being 2.6. Moreover, there was a marked excess of C3FF homozygotes (11/63, [17.5%], versus 4% expected: chi-squared = 9.5, <0.01). The average relative risk for the development of systemic vasculitis in C3F homozygotes was 5.1, indicating a gene dosage effect. These data indicate that the C3F allele is associated with a predisposition to the development of systemic vasculitis and that C3F homozygotes are at particularly high risk. This association is the strongest genetic factor reported so far for this group of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Crescentic glomerulonephritis is usually classified into antiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease, immune-complex disease, or pauci-immune crescentic nephritis. The last category includes patients with systemic vasculitis as well as ‘idiopathic’ isolated crescentic nephritis. The presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in many patients with apparently isolated crescentic nephritis suggests that this represents a renal-limited form of vasculitis, and that truly ‘idiopathic’ crescentic nephritis is a very rare entity. We reviewed all renal biopsies with extracapillary proliferation seen at our centre since the availability of an ANCA assay (4-year period). There were 89 such biopsies of a total of 1240, of which 82 had sufficient details for further analysis. Of these, 10 had anti-GBM disease, 35 had epithelial proliferation associated with a variety of other diseases, and 36 had ANCA-associated disease. Nine of this last group had no extrarenal features and would previously have been classified as ‘idiopathic’ crescentic glomerulonephritis. The single remaining patient had an inactive glomerulonephritis with a scarred crescent; the predominant lesion was an interstitial nephritis. We therefore conclude that truly ‘idiopathic’ crescentic nephritis is very rare, if it exists at all. The ability to provide a practically complete classification of crescentic nephritis has important prognostic and therapeutic consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We have studied the total IgG subclass and anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) specific IgG subclass distribution in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) sera. In order to solve the problems caused by the differing affinities of subclass specific monoclonals and the competitive inhibition of antibodies in a whole serum assay. six sent were separated into subclass-specific fractions by affinity-depletion chromatography. AMA subclass distribution of 20 further sera from patients with PBC was assessed using conventional methods and the results were calibrated against one of the fractionated sera. Light chain distribution and AMA functional affinity were also assessed for the fractionated subclasses. Total amounts of IgG3 were significantly increased compared with normal controls, AMA were found in all IgG subclasses and not restricted predominantly to IgG3 as previously described. The functional affinity of IgG3 AMA is generally lower as compared with that of other subclasses. No light chain restriction was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2:) induces a T cell-dependent autoimmune syndrome in Brown-Norway (BN) rats characterized by a humoral response, tissue injury with an accumulation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and an increase in tissue IL-4 mRNA and serum IgE suggesting Th2 cell activation. In other models of autoimmune disease, CD8+ cells act in both anti- and pro-inflammatory capacities, suggesting that functionally distinct CD8+ populations exist in vivo. The effect of treatment with OX8, a depleting anli-CD8 MoAb, on the initiation of HgCl2-induced autoimmunity was assessed in two experiments in a total of 20 BN rats, and compared with 20 animals treated with a control MoAb or PBS. OX8 significantly depleted peripheral blood CD8+ lymphocytes, had no effect on HgCl2-induced anti-collagen or myeloperoxidase antibodies, nor on the incidence or severity of caecal vasculitis. The severity of HgCl2-induced arthritis was significantly reduced in OX8-treated animals; median peak score reduced from 7.5 to 3.0 (experiment I) and from 7.0 to 4 (experiment 2) (P = 0.009, Mann-Whitney U-test). OX8 treatment also exacerbated the early rise in HgCl2-induced IgE and induced a significant rise in plasma interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), suggesting that CD8+ cells may have a regulatory influence on Th cell populations. These data provide direct evidence that CD8+ cells may act in a proinflammatory capacity in both this model of autoimmunity and the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systemic vasculitides are characterized by necrotizing inflammation of blood vessels. Neutrophils are implicated in tissue damage by their presence at the site of injury. They can mediate injury by release of cellular contents including proteinases. cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) may therefore be predicted to ameliorate oxidative damage in vivo and could be a cheap and non-toxic form of therapy. We examined this hypothesis in an experimental model of vasculitis which has some similarities to human disease, and in which depletion of neutrophils ameliorates tissue injury. Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) treatment induces an autoimmune syndrome and necrotizing leucocytoclastic vasculitis in the Brown Norway (BN) rat; anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) and anti-glomeruiar basement (GBM) antibodies are present, and vasculitis is reduced by antimicrobials. Methyl prednisolone given intravenously was effective in reducing tissue injury, demonstrating that the model was responsive to a treatment used in man. Vitamin E and NAC were given as daily injections intraperitoneally to BN rats either before, during or after HgCl2 administration. Serial blood samples were taken for anti-MPO and IgE antibodies, which were assayed by ELISA. Necropsies were performed on animals killed at peak disease. At doses of 50-200 mg/kg per day vitamin E had no beneficial effect on tissue injury, regardless of timing of treatment. NAC at 100 or 200 mg/kg also had no significant protective effect on vasculitis. Autoantibody and IgE levels were not affected by either methyl prednisolone or the antioxidants. The lack of benefit of vitamin E and NAC suggests that oxidative damage, whether generated by neutrophils or other cells, does not play a major role in the pathogenesis of vasculitis, and that antioxidant therapy is unlikely to be of benefit in systemic vasculitis in man. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induces autoimmunity in susceptible rat strains, with hyper-IgE, appearance of a number of autoantibodies, and widespread tissue injury, including necrotizing vasculitis in the gut. In the early phase of tissue injury there is granulocyte infiltration later there is immunoglobulin deposition along basement membranes in vessels. We have analysed the role of complement in this model using cobra venom factor (CVF), which causes decomplementation lasting around 5 days. The characteristic time course when HgC32, is given over 10 days is that tissue injury and autoantibody levels reach a peak at around day 15 (start of HgC12 = day 0). We therefore gave CVF either early (day 0). intermediate (day 5) or late (day 10); a fourth group (controls) received HgCl2 but no CVF. At each time point, (VF caused complete decomplementation which lasted for at least 5 days. Serum IgE and autoantibody levels were similar in all four experimental groups. Tissue injury in the 'early' CVF group and in the 'late' CVF group was not significantly different from controls, but in the intermediate group tissue injury was significantly more severe than in controls. These data indicate that the complement system does not play a major role in the induction of autoantibodies by HgCl2, nor in the effector phase of tissue injury. We speculate that the exacerbation of tissue injury by CVF in the group given this agent at an intermediate stage of the model is explained by the presence of products of C3 activation which have proinflammatory effects during the phase of active granulocyte-mediated tissue injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of peripheral odontogenic keratocyst arising in a 57-year-old white female patient involving the posterior mandibular gingiva that recurred after 12 months of follow-up is presented. This reported case reinforces that patients presenting peripheral odontogenic keratocyst should be carefully followed up after conservative surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the general immunopathological mechanisms of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). The author states that the study of PSGN will facilitate an analysis of pathogenesis, and will provide clues as to the mechanisms involved in other forms of glomerulonephritis like rheumatic fever.

This article focuses on the role of cellular immunity in systemic vasculitis. The development of knowledge concerning auto reactivity in systemic vasculitis (SY) is proceeding along familiar lines. These diseases were long suspected to have an auto immune basis, and this suspicion was strengthened by the description of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). ANCA are highly sensitive and specific for active primary systemic vasculitides involving small blood vessels. Although auto reactive T cells have been identified in some diseases, evidence for a direct role in pathogenesis is difficult to obtain in man.

A survey of lumbar punctures performed in adults in a district general hospital over a two year period was carried out. As well as being used for conventional, specific indications, lumbar puncture was often employed as a screening investigation in undiagnosed neurological illness. Although this was not inappropriate in patients with meningeal symptoms and signs, or patients with disordered consciousness, lumbar puncture was also used in patients with focal neurological signs. Although the dangers of lumbar puncture in these latter patients, and the fact that it is unlikely to yield information unobtainable by other investigations have been stated by many authorities, almost 20% of patients fell into this group. This suggests that these points require further emphasis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 46 year old woman developed membranous nephropathy following the use of a mercury-containing skin lightening cream. This association has not been reported in the literature for over a decade and apparently never from this country. It is important that clinicians are aware of this usually eminently treatable cause of the nephrotic syndrome as it is likely to be missed unless specifically enquired for. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Net protein requirement for gain (NPg) depends on the lean tissue content of the empty body gain (EBG), which may vary among gender, breed, and growth rate. A comparative slaughter trial was conducted at the Federal University of Vicosa in Brazil with 36 F1 Nellore x Red Angus calves (12 steers, 12 bulls, and 12 heifers), averaging 274 kg BW. Three animals from each gender were slaughtered at the beginning of the trial to determine the initial body composition. The remaining calves (3 animals of each gender) were randomly assigned to three treatments: maintenance level (70% of corn silage, DM basis) or fed at 0.75 or 1.5% of BW with corn silage being offered ad libitum. The diets were isonitrogenous (12.5% CP, DM basis). After three growing periods of 28 d, all animals were slaughtered. The cleaned gastrointestinal tract, organs, carcass, head, hide, tail, feet, blood and tissues were weighed to assess empty BW (EBW). These parts were ground separately and subsampled for chemical analyses. For each animal, within a period, the DMI was measured daily. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the NPg among genders. The NPg (g/kg EBG) equation of the pooled data was 0.5795×EBG×EBW-0.2425, indicating an NPg requirement of 148 and 128 g for animals with 250 and 450 kg BW, respectively. The percentage of RE deposited as protein (REp) increased as content of RE in the gain (REc, Mcal/kg EBG) decreased. The REp equation of the pooled data was 0.3671 - 0.0461×REc. Our findings support the hypothesis that REp is negatively correlated with REc. However, our data indicated no differences in NPg for bulls, steers and heifers of Nellore x Red Angus crossbreds fed high levels of forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Beef Cattle National Research Council recognizes the effect of species (Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus) and gender (steers, bulls, and heifers) on energy requirements for maintenance and growth. A comparative slaughter trial was conducted at the Federal University of Vicosa in Brazil with 36 F1 Nellore x Red Angus calves (12 steers, 12 bulls, and 12 heifers), averaging 274 kg BW. Three animals from each gender were slaughtered at the beginning of the trial, to determine the initial body composition. The remaining calves (3 animals of each gender) were randomly assigned to three treatments: maintenance level (70% of corn silage, DM basis) or fed at 0.75 or 1.5% of BW of concentrate with corn silage being offered ad libitum. The diets were isonitrogenous (12.5% CP, DM basis). After three growing periods of 28 d, all animals were slaughtered. The cleaned gastrointestinal tract, organs, carcass, head, hide, tail, feet, blood, and tissues were weighed to assess empty BW (EBW). These parts were ground separately and subsampled for chemical analyses. For each animal within a period, the DMI were measured daily and samples of feces were collected to determine the diet digestibility, using indigestible ADF as a marker. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the energy requirements for maintenance and growth among genders. The combined data indicated a NEm of 71.25 kcal/kg0.75 EBW and a MEm of 100.4 kcal/kg0.75 EBW, with a partial efficiency of use of ME to NE for maintenance of 0.71. The average partial efficiency of use of ME to NE for growth was 0.52. The RE (Mcal/d) equation of the pooled data was RE = 0.0575×EBW0.75×EBG1.1030. These findings suggest the energy requirement of crossbred Bos Indicus x Bos Taurus for maintenance might be lower than that of pure Bos Taurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]